The club are ecstatic to announce Doncaster Knights Academy second/back row Adam Hopkinson has signed a first team deal ahead of the 2023/24 season.

Adam spent nearly four years in the Academy set-up having joined in 2020 as a young Yorkshire prospect.

Discussing Adam’s step-up to the first team, Head Coach Steve Boden said: “We’re delighted that Adam has agreed to sign for the club on a first team contract. It’s a great success story that he’s developed his way through the Academy. He got an opportunity at the back end of the 2022/23 season due to injury and I think he’s been a great example of being ready to take your opportunity.

“I think Adam showed that he can compete, and he’s got a lot of potential at Champ level, so we’re really excited to see how much he can grow in the first team environment.

“Another great bonus for us, and something that we’re really passionate about, is that he’s Yorkshire born, and he’s come through the Academy’s pathway, which is showing some of the hard work the club, and Tyson Lewis, has been doing to put in place a pathway here for those lads to step up to professional rugby.

“Obviously it’s very early in Adam’s career, and there’s a lot of work to be done with a long way to go, but we see the potential in him so hopefully he’ll become a first team regular for years to come.”

Academy head coach Tyson Lewis is also delighted at the progress of his player, who follows in the footsteps of Sam Jones, Will Holling and Alan Hudson in graduating from the Academy into the Knights set-up.

“It is with great pride, another member of our Academy graduates to sign their first professional contract with the first team. Adam follows on in the footsteps of other Academy graduates before him.

“It demonstrates our Academy continues to grow and is very much a viable option/pathway for young players to attain their dreams alongside studying an education discipline.

“Adam has been an immensely important cog in the Academy wheel for the last 4 years now and its testament to his fortitude and hard work, that he is now at this point and is about to take his next step on his playing path.

“A popular member amongst his peers, Adam has been an absolute pleasure to coach and witness his growth and development first hand, these attributes put him in great stead for the next challenge. We wish him all the best and look forward to watching the next step of his journey.”

Adam started in the Knights Academy set-up in 2020. His young CV already includes Sandal RUFC, Doncaster Phoenix and representative honours for Yorkshire County and Yorkshire Carnegie’s U16s and U18s. From a leadership standpoint, Adam captained his university side Gloucestershire U20s and South West County U20s.

Adam made his Knights first team debut in February 2023 in a Championship Cup fixture against Coventry at Butts Park Arena before making a further 5 appearances throughout the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

The youngster is looking to progress well with the Knights having overcome instances of doubt in his rugby career.

“This season for me has been the epitome of not knowing what’s around the corner. I’d set this season out to go back to my roots and to enjoy my rugby again with the Academy and Sandal RUFC.

“To have come through the system has definitely been a struggle and I’ve definitely taken the hardest route, but it has made moments with the Knights so much more memorable.

“I can’t thank my family, teammates, girlfriend, and coaches enough for believing in me when I couldn’t. I’m ecstatic about stepping up this season and embracing the challenge of Championship rugby.”

We look forward to seeing what Adam can bring to the Knights throughout 2023/24.

Adam will be sponsored by Leeds Motorcycle Training for the duration of the 2023/24 season – find out more about the business HERE.

We are excited to confirm Doncaster Knights will be heading to North Wales for a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/24 Championship season.

The Knights will travel to take on RGC 1404 at Stadiwm CSM on Saturday, August 19 for a 5:15pm kick-off.

This will mark a return to old stomping grounds for Knights players George Roberts and Billy McBryde who both previously played for the Welsh side.

RGC Head Coach Ceri Jones said his side “can’t wait to get going” with the fixture and look forward especially to welcoming back their two familiar faces.

This fixture will mark a great opportunity for the Knights coaches to see how their new-look Knights squad may perform away from Castle Park.

The cost of the trip will be £30 per adult, though if numbers are high this could reduce to £25. Info on the different stops made on the journey HERE.

Please contact John Lowe to book your seat on 07977112706.

Doncaster Knights can confirm that assistant coach Nathan Smith has left the club now that the 2022/23 season has drawn to a close.

Following the conclusion of the campaign, Nathan has chosen to explore other opportunities within rugby union, and we wish him every success in his endeavours.

Discussing his experience as a member of the Knights, Nathan said:

“I have really enjoyed my time coaching at Doncaster Knights, and I have been privileged to work with some highly motivated players and staff. I would like to thank the club for providing me the opportunity to develop my coaching further, but feel it is now time for a new challenge. I wish the new squad all the best for the coming season.”

Nathan first arrived in Doncaster from Loughborough Students where he had led the BUCS Super Rugby coaching and forwards play for the men’s National Two rugby programme.

Prior to his arrival at the Knights, Nathan had held an assistant coaching position at Yorkshire Carnegie and a Head Coach position at Ilkley RFC.

Head coach Steve Boden thanked Nathan for his contribution to the Knights throughout his time at Castle Park.

“I’d like to thank Nathan on behalf of the club for the effort he’s put in over the last three seasons. He’s been a highly motivated and respected coach by both staff and players. We wish him well on his next adventure within rugby – we’re sure he’ll make a success of it.”

We’d like to remind renewing season ticket holders that seats for the 2023/24 Championship season have now all gone on general sale to the wider public. 

Following a mixed 2022/23 season, the Knights are ready to head into battle for the upcoming Championship season, due to begin with a welcome, new Cup format that includes Premiership clubs in September 2023. 

Purchase of a season ticket will include entry into all home league and group cup matches, as well as access to a monthly Supporters Night with head coach Steve Boden. 

All tickets, no matter whether Adult or Concession, Terrace or Main Stand, the price will be frozen at £150. 

Also, all Juniors (under 16s) will have FREE entry to all games at Castle Park. 

You can purchase your season ticket HERE now.

Doncaster Knights can confirm that 20 players will leave the club now that the 2022/23 season has drawn to a close.

In the forward pack, the departures will include Jake Armstrong, Bobby Bratton, Jared Cardew, Sam Daly, George Edgson, Will Holling, Sam Hudson, John Kelly, Kai Owen, Jake Pope, Martin Sigren, Thom Smith, Theo Vukasinovic, and James Wayland.

In the backline, the departures will include Joe Green, Alec Lloyd-Seed, Robbie Smith, Jack Spittle, Fraser Strachan, and Will Yarnell.

Head coach Steve Boden thanked all departing players for their contribution to the Knights shirt throughout their time at Castle Park.

“A massive thank you from myself, the club and the supporters for the hard work and the commitment you all put in throughout the 2022/23 season. It wasn’t an easy season to navigate through and I think, testament to all the players, we stuck in there together to make something of it all.

“I wish everybody all the best in the future – you are massively welcome, and hopefully we do see you, back at Castle Park for a beer at some time in the future.”

 

Jake Armstrong

Tighthead prop Jake Armstrong initially arrived from Premiership side Bristol Bears – where he had made 32 appearances since joining in 2018 – for a month-long loan in September 2022 before officially signing as a Knight. The front rower had also appeared as a Knight previously when he joined from Wharfedale in 2015.

Jake has made 23 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Bobby Bratton

Tighthead prop Bobby Bratton signed for the Knights in February 2023 from Scottish Super6 side Watsonians hoping to progress in his personal game as well as add to the overall goals of the team.

Bobby made 3 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions. Bobby has now returned to Scotland to re-join Watsonians.

Jared Cardew

Back rower Jared Cardew signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Championship competition, Richmond, having originally moved there from Exeter University. Named as Richmond’s ‘Most Improved Player’ for last season, Jared was hoping to develop and grow as a player in a full-time rugby set-up in Doncaster.

Jared made 26 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring a try against Bedford Blues at home at Castle Park in October 2022.

Sam Daly

Back rower Sam Daly joined the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Scottish Super6 league side, Watsonians, having excelled for the side and garnering attention from Edinburgh Rugby who signed him on a partnership deal.

Sam made 18 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 4 tries in the process.

George Edgson

Hooker George Edgson is a familiar face around Castle Park having played for the Knights in two different stints, his second seeing him return in the summer of 2021 as an integral part of the Knights pack. No stranger to the Championship, George has also spent time with Hartpury College, Rotherham Titans, Bedford Blues, Ealing Trailfinders and Jersey Reds.

George, throughout his two stints in Doncaster, made 48 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 14 tries in the process – including a hatrick against Nottingham in December 2021.

Joe Green

Scrum half Joe Green arrived in Doncaster in August 2021 from Yorkshire Carnegie having been with the side since 2018. The young back was called into England U20s camp in 2020 and captained Woodhouse Grove School in his childhood rugby.

Joe made 26 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 1 try in the process. Joe is now playing his rugby in Australia with Shute Shield side Southern Districts.

Will Holling

An original Doncaster Knights Academy star, hooker Will Holling became the third youngster to graduate to the first team in April 2019. Having spent time in Australia developing his game with Griffith University, Will returned to Yorkshire as a fully-fledged Knight and the home-town boy quickly became a fan-favourite.

Will made 54 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 16 tries in the process.

Sam Hudson

Back row Sam Hudson arrived at the Knights in August 2021 from Championship competition Ampthill after a standout campaign with the men from the woods in just their second season in the league. This was after the young flanker played a crucial role in the promotion-winning 2018/19 team, for which he was named in the Rugby Paper Team of the Season.

Sam made 32 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 5 tries in the process.

John Kelly

Back row and second row John Kelly signed for the Knights in summer 2021 from Plymouth Albion where he was one of the side’s most consistent performers, clocking up over 50 senior appearances. John was brought to Castle Park fitting the Knights’ want for a relatively untapped young talent looking to take his game to the next level.

John made 49 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 14 tries in the process. As previously announced, John will join Premiership side Newcastle Falcons for next season.

Alec Lloyd-Seed

Fly-half Alec Lloyd-Seed signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Super BUCS side Exeter University for whom he had made 18 appearances, scoring 99 points for his side. The young half-back started his time at the university with some tough competition for the 10 shirt before asserting himself as their go-to choice at fly-half.

Alec made 11 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 2 conversions in the process.

Kai Owen

Loosehead prop Kai Owen arrived in October 2022 from dismantled Premiership side Worcester Warriors. Having originally been part of the Warriors Junior Academy, Kai then gained experienced in senior rugby with Newport and North Midlands U20s before returned to the Worcester fold as a member of the Senior Academy.

Kai made 16 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Jake Pope

Loosehead prop Jake Pope signed mid-season for Doncaster as an unregistered free agent, joining up with the Knights with immediate effect. The front rower had pulled on a Donny shirt before, originally back in 2017, in amongst his time engrossed in the Sale Sharks set-up as well as representing Sale FC.

Jake made 12 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Martin Sigren

Back rower Martin Sigren signed for Doncaster in September 2022 from Super Liga Americana de Rugby side, Selknam Rugby, where he excelled for the Chilean side. The forward is a figurehead of Chilean rugby as he is the current international captain – a prominent contributor to the side’s historic victory over the USA which qualified them for their first ever Rugby World Cup in France 2023.

Martin made 24 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Robbie Smith

Centre Robbie Smith signed for the Knights in the summer of 2022 from Championship competition, Hartpury, whom he originally signed for ahead of the 2019/20 season. For his many features in a Hartpury shirt, Robbie was previously elected to the Rugby Paper’s Championship Team of the Season. Before graduating to the Championship side, the back was also an integral part of the university’s Super BUCS team.

Robbie made 19 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 7 tries in the process.

Thom Smith

Back rower and this season’s co-captain Thom Smith arrived in Donny from Leicester Tigers where he previously captained the Welford Road outfit in the Premiership having been developed through their Academy system. The forward joined the Knights as a young player keen to secure regular game time to enable him to further develop his rugby and Thom has since thrived, excelling on the field and kindly interacting with fans off the field.

Thom made 35 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 8 tries in the process.

Jack Spittle

Winger Jack Spittle came to Doncaster in July 2020 having had a fantastic season with Nottingham which saw him named in the Rugby Paper’s Team of the Season. Having graduated from the successful Nottingham Trent University rugby partnership, Jack began his professional career with a first senior contract ahead of the 2017/18 season. Injury has thwarted most of his current season, but before this, his name was firmly on the scoring list.

Jack made 22 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 11 tries in the process.

Fraser Strachan

Centre Fraser Strachan made the switch to the Knights from Ealing Trailfinders in July 2021 having scored 3 tries in 3 appearances for the Londoners. Fraser developed his talent through the Northampton Saints Academy before making 4 senior appearances for the Premiership side and turning out for Northampton Wanderers in the A League. A serious injury ruled the young back out of the season in just Round 2 this year, unfortunately.

Fraser made 20 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions.

Theo Vukasinovic

Lock Theo Vukasinovic arrived in Doncaster from disbanded Premiership side Wasps in November 2022. The second rower originally joined the Premiership side ahead of the 2019/20 season having been a product of the London Irish Academy system – making his senior Irish debut against his future club in 2014. Theo had previous Championship experience with London Scottish as well.

Theo made 8 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 1 try in the process.

James Wayland

Loosehead prop James Wayland joined the Knights from Australian Shute Shield side, Eastwood, where he spent the 2021/22 season having played for Championship rivals Jersey Reds previously. Having had a successful campaign in the Shute Shield, the prop wanted the opportunity to join the Knights set-up and make the most of his time in Doncaster.

James made 12 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions. James has now returned to Australia to re-join Eastwood.

Will Yarnell

Scrum half Will Yarnell moved to Doncaster ahead of the 2022/23 season from Super BUCS side Exeter University for whom he had made 35 appearances, scoring 11 tries. As well as excelling for Exeter Uni, Will has experienced short bouts of Premiership rugby, appearing twice for Exeter Chiefs and twice for Leicester Tigers. And so, he was excited to transition straight from university into a full-time, professional environment with the Knights.

Will made 14 appearances as a Knight in the Championship league and cup competitions, scoring 2 tries in the process.

We are excited to announce that utility back Jack Metcalf will be staying with Doncaster Knights for the 2023/24 season.

22-year-old Jack signed for the Knights in January 2023 from Championship competition, Ealing Trailfinders. A locally produced talent, he was originally a member of the Yorkshire Carnegie set-up in their Academy as well as representing Yorkshire U18s.

The young back made the switch from the North to Sale Sharks in March 2021, debuting for the Premiership side against Leicester Tigers in the November before going on to make 12 first team appearances.

The utility back, who also spent successful loan time with Sale FC, can play centre, wing or fullback.

Jack is excited to be staying in his home county and hoping for a positive, full season with the Knights.

“It was a no-brainer to sign this season in the first place, and I’ve loved being back up North – the lads being so welcoming since I started really helped with that too.

“I’m looking forward to a full year with the boys and hope to have a strong season in 2023/24.”

Knights Head Coach Steve Boden is keen to see what more the coaching staff can get out of the naturally talented back throughout a full season in Doncaster.

“We’re delighted Jack has agreed to stay at Doncaster Knights. He’s incredibly talented and has some great aspects of his game where he can do some things others can’t do. He’s got a lot of development to do also, and we feel like he’s in the right place to do that to tighten down on some nuts and bolts in his game to make him a complete player.

“He’s extremely young so there’s a lot of time for growth in his game to come, which we’re excited about. And the fact that he’s a Yorkshire-born player playing in his home county is fantastic for the club.

“He’s gone out recently to Australia to gain some game-time for Eastwood, which shows the ambition and drive he’s got to be a better player – which fits in perfectly for where we are as a club.”

We are excited to see what Jack can continue to bring to the Knights badge throughout next season.

If you’d like to see Jack in action at Castle Park, be sure to purchase your season ticket HERE.

We are excited to announce that second/back row Evan Mintern will be staying with Doncaster Knights for the 2023/24 season.

27-year-old Evan arrived in Doncaster in late September 2022 from All-Ireland league side, Cork Constitution, with whom his rugby career began at the tender age of 4.

Playing for Cork, he won the Under 20s competition which led to him being named in the Ireland U20s side for the U20s World Rugby Championship in 2016. Following his time in Ireland, Evan spent time in the USA in Major League Rugby – representing Rugby United New York in 2021 before making the switch to Rugby Atlanta in 2022.

The pack member spent some time on the side-lines due to injury this year, but when fit, has given his all to make an impact on games and has appeared in a Doncaster shirt 17 times so far.

Evan is happy to be staying a part of the Knights environment and hopes to thrive throughout his second season at Castle Park.

“I am proud to continue my career with Doncaster Knights. Continuing to put the work in with a great group of players.

“The past 9 months have taught me the importance of consistency and resilience. I am grateful for the support of my coaches, teammates and our fantastic supporters.”

Knights Head Coach Steve Boden is intrigued to see what his forward can achieve in a full season with Doncaster Knights.

“We’re really happy Evan has decided to stay with Doncaster Knights. He’s a big, abrasive man who does a lot of the hard work.

“After coming in midway through the season from the MLR, we started to see a massive improvement in his performances at the back end of the year when he was back fit. So we’re excited to see what he can do with a full pre-season under his belt.”

Next season, Evan will be sponsored by loyal club partner, MF Hire Ltd.

We are excited to see what Evan can continue to bring to the Knights badge throughout next season.

If you’d like to see Evan in action at Castle Park, be sure to purchase your season ticket HERE.

Throughout the 2022/23 season, the Knights have had 26 different points scorers in both the Championship league and cup competitions.

For a second year in a row, Maliq Holden is your top try scorer with Alex Dolly securing the most points overall.

In an additional impressive statistic, two Knights backline duos have started a combined 47 games together – Alex Dolly and Sam Olver started 25 together with Connor Edwards and Joe Margetts started 22 together.

Points scorers:

• Alex Dolly – 144 – 4 tries, 41 conversions, 14 penalties
• Maliq Holden – 70 – 14 tries
• Sam Olver – 66 – 3 tries, 18 conversions, 5 penalties
• George Simpson – 50 – 10 tries
• George Roberts – 45 – 9 tries
• John Kelly – 40 – 8 tries
• Will Holling – 35 – 7 tries
• Robbie Smith – 35 – 7 tries
• Joe Margetts – 25 – 5 tries
• Billy McBryde – 25 – 1 try, 10 conversions
• George Edgson – 20 – 4 tries
• Connor Edwards – 20 – 4 tries
• Sam Daly – 20 – 4 tries
• Thom Smith – 15 – 3 tries
• Jack Spittle – 15 – 3 tries
• Rhys Tait – 15 – 3 tries
• Karl Garside – 15 – 3 tries
• Sam Hudson – 10 – 2 tries
• Ehize Ehizode – 10 – 2 tries
• Will Yarnell – 10 – 2 tries
• Alec Lloyd-Seed – 6 – 3 conversions
• Jared Cardew – 5 – 1 try
• Harry Davey – 5 – 1 try
• Joe Green – 5 – 1 try
• Jack Metcalf – 5 – 1 try
• Theo Vukasinovic – 5 – 1 try

We are excited to announce that lock Ehize Ehizode will be staying with Doncaster Knights for the 2023/24 season.

25-year-old Ehize signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Championship opposition, London Scottish, for whom he had featured frequently throughout the 2021/22 campaign having joined the club the previous summer from National One side, Chinnor.

Ehize’s career originally began as a back-rower before moving to the second row. He developed through the Wasps Academy where he represented them at U18 and A-league level. He also spent time in the Bristol Bears Academy before experiencing game-time for Dings Crusaders and Hartpury.

The big forward has enjoyed a stellar first season with the Knights – making 28 appearances and quickly becoming a firm favourite amongst Knights fans, as shown by his winning of the Supporters’ Player of the Year award at this season’s Knights Awards Evening.

Ehize is looking forward to continuing to thrive in the Donny environment.

“I’m excited to be staying at Doncaster Knights. The nine months of playing here has excelled my game with the help of the coaches, strength and conditioning, and my teammates.

“I’m looking forward to what’s to come next season with the club.”

Knights Head Coach Steve Boden has been impressed with the performances he’s seen from the second rower so far, so is looking for him to give even more to the Knights badge in his second year.

“We’re really happy Ehize has committed to the Knights. We feel he’s made huge progress since being here. He’s a really well-respected and well-liked member of the squad, so he fits in really well.

“I think everyone will have seen from his performances that he’s gone from strength to strength. We feel like it’s been a really good foundation year for him and we’re looking to see him kick on even further next season because there’s still plenty of growth and ambition within him.”

We are excited to see what Ehize can continue to bring to the Knights badge throughout next season.

If you’d like to see Ehize in action at Castle Park, be sure to purchase your season ticket HERE.

We are excited to announce that tighthead prop Karl Garside will be staying with Doncaster Knights for the 2023/24 season.

26-year-old Karl signed for the Knights ahead of the 2022/23 season from Premiership side Northampton Saints for whom he had made 12 appearances since joining the Franklin’s Gardens outfit in 2018 following a successful trial period.

During his time with Northampton, the prop experience loan time with Bedford Blues during the 2020/21 season as part of Saints’ partnership with the fellow Championship side.

Karl’s Donny debut came against Hartpury at Alpas Arena in September 2022 and he has made 19 appearances so far, scoring 3 tries in the process.

Karl is looking forward to competing for selection with his teammates for another season.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what next season can bring for Doncaster Knights and I’m excited to be going into another year with such a great group of lads as my teammates.”

Knights Head Coach Steve Boden is hoping to see a strong showing from his tighthead prop next season in his second year as a Knight.

“We’re happy to have Karl staying on board with us for another season. He’s had a good foundation in development for his first year at the club and so we’re hoping to hopefully see him kick on and progress to some good performances next year.”

Our thanks to Simon Haddock who has been Karl’s player sponsor throughout the 2022/23 season.

We are excited to see what Karl can continue to bring to the Knights badge throughout next season.

If you’d like to see Karl in action at Castle Park, be sure to purchase your season ticket HERE.

Our Doncaster Knights Academy squad recently held their End of Season Awards dinner at Castle Park, with 6 trophies being handed out.

After a fourth-place finish to the season, coaches Tyson Lewis, Glen Kenworthy, Richard List and Billy McBryde gave another well done to everyone involved in the season.

A special mention must go to all those who collected awards on the night:

• Players’ Player – Archie Upton
• Most Improved – Liam Powell
• AOC Player – Lex Fenton
• Try of the Year – Tom Parkin v Bishop Burton
• Coaches Players – Archie Upton and Will Metcalfe
• Emerging Player – Adam Hopkinson

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported our Academy team throughout the 2022/23 season – we look forward to another year of hard work in 2023/24.